Driver circuit for a buck converter, related integrated circuit, electronic buck converter and method

ABSTRACT

An embodiment buck converter control circuit comprises an error amplifier configured to generate an error signal based on a feedback signal and a reference signal, a pulse generator circuit configured to generate a pulsed signal having switching cycles set to high and low as a function of the error signal, a driver circuit configured to generate a drive signal for an electronic switch of the buck converter as a function of the pulsed signal, a variable load, connected between two output terminals of the buck converter, configured to absorb a current based on a control signal, and a detector circuit configured to monitor a first signal indicative of an output current provided by the buck converter and a second signal indicative of a negative transient of the output current, and verify whether the second signal indicates a negative transient of the output current.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Italian Application No. 102020000013231, filed on Jun. 4, 2020 which application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present description refer to a control device and method for a buck converter.

BACKGROUND

Power-supply circuits, such as AC/DC or DC/DC switched mode power supplies, are well known in the art. There exist many types of electronic converters, which are mainly divided into isolated and non-isolated converters. For instance, non-isolated electronic converters are the converters of the “buck”, “boost”, “buck-boost”, “Ćuk”, “SEPIC”, and “ZETA” type. Instead, isolated converters are, for instance, converters of the “flyback”, “forward”, “half-bridge”, and “full-bridge” type. Such types of converters are well known to the person skilled in the art.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a DC/DC electronic converter 20. In particular, a generic electronic converter 20 comprises two input terminals 200 a and 200 b for receiving a DC voltage V_(in) and two output terminals 202 a and 202 b for supplying a DC voltage V_(out) For example, the input voltage V_(in) may be supplied by a DC voltage source 10, such as a battery, or may be obtained from an AC voltage by means of a rectifier circuit, such as a bridge rectifier, and possibly a filtering circuit. Instead, the output voltage V_(out) may be used to supply a load 30.

Voltage converters of a non-isolated step-down type are widely used, for example, in order to supply microcontrollers. The ease of use, simplicity, and excellent versatility in the various conditions of input and output voltage render the topology of a buck type one of the most widely used for this type of conversion.

FIG. 2 shows the circuit diagram of a typical buck converter 20. In particular, a buck converter 20 comprises two input terminals 200 a and 200 b for receiving a DC input voltage V_(in) and two output terminals 202 a and 202 b for supplying a regulated voltage V_(out), where the output voltage is equal to or lower than the input voltage V_(in).

In particular, typically, a buck converter 20 comprises two electronic switches Q1 and Q2 (with the current path thereof) connected (e.g. directly) in series between the input terminals 200 a and 200 b, wherein the intermediate node between the electronic switches Q1 and Q2 represents a switching node Lx. Specifically, the electronic switch Q1 is a high-side switch connected (e.g. directly) between the (positive) terminal 200 a and the switching node Lx, and the electronic switch Q2 is a low-side switch connected (e.g. directly) between the switching node Lx and the (negative) terminal 200 b, which often represents a ground GND. The (high-side) switch Q1 and the (low-side) switch Q2 hence represent a half-bridge configured to connect the switching node Lx to the terminal 200 a (voltage V_(in)) or the terminal 200 b (ground GND).

For example, the switches Q1 and/or Q2 are often transistors, such as Field-Effect Transistors (FETs), such as Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFETs), e.g. n-channel FET, such as NMOS. Frequently, the second electronic switch Q2 is also implemented just with a diode, where the anode is connected to the terminal 200 b and the cathode is connected to the switching node Lx.

In the example considered, an inductance L, such as an inductor, is connected (e.g. directly) between the switching node Lx and the (positive) output terminal 202 a. Instead, the (negative) output terminal 202 b is connected (e.g. directly) to the (negative) input terminal 200 b.

In the example considered, to stabilise the output voltage V_(out), the converter 20 typically comprises a capacitor Cout connected (e.g., directly) between the output terminals 202 a and 202 b.

In this context, FIG. 3 shows some waveforms of the signals of such an electronic converter, where:

-   -   FIG. 3 a shows the signal DRV₁ for switching the electronic         switch Q1;     -   FIG. 3 b shows the signal DRV₂ for switching the second         electronic switch Q2;     -   FIG. 3 c shows the current I_(Q1) that traverses the electronic         switch Q1;     -   FIG. 3 d shows the voltage V_(Lx) at the switching node Lx         (i.e., the voltage at the second switch Q2); and     -   FIG. 3 e shows the current I_(L) that traverses the inductor L.

In particular, when the electronic switch Q1 is closed at an instant U (ON state), the current I_(L) in the inductor L increase (substantially) linearly. The electronic switch Q2 is at the same time opened. Instead, when the electronic switch Q1 is opened after an interval T_(ON1) at an instant t₂ (OFF state), the electronic switch Q2 is closed, and the current I_(L) decreases (substantially) linearly. Finally, the switch Q1 is closed again after an interval T_(OFF1). In the example considered, the switch Q2 (or a similar diode) is hence closed when the switch Q1 is open, and vice versa.

The current I_(L) can thus be used to charge the capacitor Cout, which supplies the voltage V_(out) at the terminals 202 a and 202 b.

In general, the electronic converter 20 hence comprises a control circuit 22 configured to drive the switching of the switch Q1, and possibly of the switch Q2, for repeating the intervals T_(ON1) and T_(OFF1) periodically. For example, typically the buck converter 20 comprises also a feedback circuit 24, such as a voltage divider, configured to generate a feedback signal FB indicative of (and preferably proportional to) the output voltage V_(out), and the control circuit 22 is configured to generate the drive signals DRV₁ and DRV₂ by comparing the feedback signal FB with a reference signal, such as a reference voltage V_(ref).

A significant number of driving schemes are known for the switch Q1, and possibly for the switch Q2. These solutions have in common the possibility of regulating the output voltage V_(out) by regulating the duration of the interval T_(ON1) and/or the interval T_(OFF1). For instance, in many applications, the control circuit 22 generates a driving signal DRV₁ for the switch Q1 (and possibly a driving signal DRV₂ for the switch Q2), where the driving signal DRV₁ is a Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) signal, i.e., the duration of the switching interval T_(SW1)=T_(ON1)+T_(OFF1) is constant, but the duty cycle T_(ON1)/T_(SW1) may be variable. In this case, the control circuit 14 typically implements a regulator circuit having a Proportional (P) and/or Integral (I) component, wherein the regulator circuit is configured to vary the duty cycle of the signal DRV₁ in order to obtain a required output voltage V_(out). In this case, the various operating modes of the converter (Continuous-Conduction Mode, CCM; Discontinuous-Conduction Mode, DCM; Transition Mode, TM) are well known in the technical field.

One of the most important parameters in a buck converter is the load regulation, which is the capability of the circuit to keep the output voltage V_(out) stable in response to changing load conditions, which also implies a varying output current i_(out). When the output current i_(out) changes in the time, overshoots and undershoots can be observed in the output voltage V_(out) as a function of the ratio ±Δi_(out)/ΔT, wherein Δi_(out) represents the variation of the current i_(out) in a given time interval ΔT. In fact, when the output current i_(out) changes, the current I_(L) supplied by the inductor L may be too high or too low, thereby creating a variation of the voltage V_(out) at the capacitor Cout.

For example, as mentioned before, such a buck converter may be used to supply a microcontroller, which may also be configured to drive other loads. In this case, significant load transitions may occur, such as negative load transient of 1 A/1 us. However, similar load transitions may occur each time the load 30 is a switchable load, which e.g. may comprise one or more loads selectively connected to the output voltage V_(out). For example, assuming a buck converter 20 configured to supply an output voltage V_(out) in a range between 1V and 1.31 V, which e.g. may be settable by adjusting the reference voltage of the control circuit 22, and a maximum overshoot of 6%, the circuit 20 has to be able to maintain the overshoot in the voltage V_(out) below 60 mV for the negative load transient of 1 A/1 us.

SUMMARY

Considering the foregoing, it is therefore an object of various embodiments to provide a control device for a buck converter able to better regulate the output voltage in response to load transients, in particular in response to a negative current transient.

According to one or more embodiments, one or more of the above objects are achieved by a driver circuit for a buck converter having the distinctive elements set forth specifically in the ensuing claims. Embodiments moreover concern a related integrated circuit, electronic buck converter and method.

The claims form an integral part of the technical teaching of the description provided herein.

As mentioned before, various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a control circuit for a buck converter configured to provide via two output terminals an output voltage and an output current. For example, such a control circuit may be implemented in an integrated circuit.

In various embodiments, the control circuit comprises a first terminal configured to be connected to an electronic switch of the buck converter, a second terminal configured to receive a feedback signal indicative of the output voltage, and two terminals configured to be connected to the two output terminals of the buck converter.

In various embodiments, the control circuit comprises an error amplifier configured to generate an error signal as a function of the feedback signal and a reference signal. For example, in various embodiments, the error amplifier is a regulator having an integral and/or a proportional component.

In various embodiments, the control circuit comprises a pulse generator circuit configured to generate a pulsed signal having switching cycles where the pulsed signal is set to high for a first duration and to low for a second duration, wherein the pulse generator circuit is configured to vary the first and/or the second duration as a function of the error signal, and a driver circuit configured to generate a drive signal at the first terminal as a function of the pulsed signal. For example, in various embodiments, the pulse generator circuit is a pulse width modulator, wherein the pulsed signal is a pulse width modulated signal having a constant frequency and a duty cycle determined as a function of the error signal.

In various embodiments, the control circuit comprises also a variable load connected between the two terminals, wherein the variable load is configured to absorb a current determined as a function of a control signal.

In this case, a detector circuit may be configured to generate the control signal by monitoring a first signal indicative of the output current, and a second signal indicative of a negative transient of the output current. For example, the variable load may comprise a current mirror receiving at an input the control signal, and wherein an output of the current mirror is connected between the two terminals. For example, in case the error amplifier is a regulator having an integral component, the first signal may correspond to the error signal. Conversely, the detector circuit may comprise a transient detection circuit configured to determine the second signal by verifying whether the first signal indicates that the output current decreases more than a given amount, and/or verifying whether the feedback signal indicates that the output voltage increases more than a given amount, and/or verifying whether the feedback signal indicates that the output voltage exceeds a given maximum threshold value.

In various embodiments, the detector circuit is thus configured to verify whether the second signal indicates a negative transient of the output current. Specifically, when the second signal does not indicate a negative transient of the output current, the detector circuit stores the monitored first signal. Conversely, when the second signal indicates a negative transient of the output current, the detector circuit generates the control signal as a function of the difference between the stored first signal and the monitored first signal.

In various embodiments, the detector circuit may also verify whether the second signal indicates that the output current is again stable, and when the second signal indicates that the output current is again stable, the detector circuit may gradually reduce the control signal, whereby the variable load absorbs gradually less current.

In various embodiments, the control circuit may also implement an over-current protection. For this purpose, the control circuit may comprise a current ramp generator configured to generate a current ramp signal when the pulsed signal is set to high, a reference electronic switch, wherein the current ramp signal flows through the reference electronic switch when the pulsed signal is set to high, and a comparator circuit configured to compare the voltage at the reference electronic switch with the voltage at the electronic switch of the buck converter, wherein the comparator circuit is configured to set the pulsed signal to low, when the voltage at the electronic switch of the buck converter exceeds the voltage at the reference electronic switch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the annexed plates of drawings, which are provided purely to way of non-limiting example and in which:

The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of practical embodiments thereof, shown by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a typical application of an electronic converter;

FIG. 2 shows an example of a buck converter;

FIG. 3 shows exemplary waveforms of the converter of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a control circuit for a buck converter;

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a pulse generator circuit for the control circuit of FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a buck converter comprising a detector circuit and a variable load;

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the operation of the buck converter of FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 8 shows a first embodiment the detector circuit and the variable load of FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment the detector circuit and the variable load of FIG. 6 ; and

FIGS. 10 and 11 show embodiments of a current limiter for the high side switch of the buck converter of FIG. 6 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In the ensuing description, various specific details are illustrated aimed at enabling an in-depth understanding of the embodiments. The embodiments may be provided without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other cases, known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail so that various aspects of the embodiments will not be obscured.

Reference to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” in the framework of this description is meant to indicate that a particular configuration, structure, or characteristic described in relation to the embodiment is comprised in at least one embodiment. Hence, phrases such as “in an embodiment”, “in one embodiment”, or the like that may be present in various points of this description do not necessarily refer to one and the same embodiment. Moreover, particular conformations, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any adequate way in one or more embodiments.

The references used herein are only provided for convenience and hence do not define the sphere of protection or the scope of the embodiments.

In FIGS. 4 to 11 described below, parts, elements or components that have already been described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 are designated by the same references used previously in these figures. The description of these elements has already been made and will not be repeated in what follows in order not to burden the present detailed description.

As explained in the foregoing, various embodiments of the present description relate to a control circuit 22 a for a buck converter.

FIG. 4 shows a first embodiment of a control circuit 22 a for a buck converter. For a general description of a buck converter 20, reference may be made to the description of FIGS. 1 to 3 . Specifically, as described in the foregoing, a buck converter 20 comprises:

-   -   two input terminals 200 a and 200 b for receiving an input         voltage V_(in),     -   two output terminals 202 a and 202 b for providing an output         voltage V_(out);     -   two electronic switches Q1 and Q2, such as NMOS (wherein the         electronic switch Q2 may also be a diode), connected in series         between the terminals 200 a and 200 b, wherein the intermediate         node represents a switching node Lx;     -   an inductance L, such as an inductor, connected between the         switching node Lx and the output terminal 202 a;     -   a capacitor Cout connected between the two output terminals;     -   a feedback circuit 24, corresponding to a voltage measurement         circuit, configured to generate a signal indicative of the         output voltage V_(out); and     -   a control circuit 22 a configured to generate the drive signals         for the electronic switch Q1 and optionally the electronic         switch Q2 as a function of the feedback signal FB.

As shown in FIG. 4 , in various embodiments, such a control circuit 22 a may be implemented in an integrated circuit 40, e.g. the integrated circuit 40 may comprise:

-   -   a pad (of a respective die) or pin (of a respective integrated         circuit package) configured to be connected to the feedback         circuit 24, such as a voltage divider comprising two or more         resistors R1 and R2 connected in series between the output         terminals 202 a and 202 b, whereby the feedback signal FB is a         voltage proportion to the output voltage V_(out);     -   a pad/pin for providing the drive signal DRV₁ to the electronic         switch Q1 and optionally a pad/pin for providing the drive         signal DRV₂ to the electronic switch Q2, e.g. to the gate         terminals of respective FETs; and     -   the control circuit 22 a.

As shown in FIG. 3 , in various embodiments, the integrated circuit 40 may also comprise the electronic switch Q1 and optionally the electronic switch (or diode) Q2. For example, in this case, the two pads/pins for providing the drive signal DRV₁ and DRV₂ may be omitted and the integrated circuit may comprise pads/pins for connection to the terminals 200 a, 200 b and Lx. In various embodiments, the integrated circuit may in any case be connected to the terminals 200 a/200 b insofar as these terminals may be used to provide the power supply to the control circuit 22 a. Alternatively, the power supply for the control circuit 22 a may be obtained, e.g., from the input voltage V_(in) (terminals 200 a/200 b) or the output voltage V_(out) (terminals 202 a/202 b).

In various embodiments, the integrated circuit 40 may also comprises the feedback circuit/voltage measurement circuit 24. In this case, the feedback pad/pin may be omitted and the integrated circuit 40 may comprise two pins/pads for connection to the terminals 202 a and 202 b. As mentioned before, the integrated circuit 40 may already be connected to the terminal 202 b and accordingly the pin/pad for the terminal 202 b may be omitted.

Thus, irrespective of the integration of the various blocks in the integrated circuit 40, the control circuit 22 a comprises:

-   -   a terminal/node for receiving the feedback signal FB indicative         of (and preferably proportional to) the output voltage V_(out);         and     -   a terminal/node for providing the drive signal DRV₁ and         optionally a terminal/node for providing the drive signal DRV₂.

Specifically, in the embodiment considered, the control circuit 22 a comprises an error amplifier configured to generate an error signal V_(comp), by comparing the feedback signal FB with a reference signal, such as a reference voltage V_(ref).

For example, in the embodiment considered, the error amplifier is implemented with an operational amplifier 202 and a compensation/feedback network 204 associated with the operational amplifier 202. For example, in the embodiment considered, the feedback signal FB is connected to the inverting/negative input of the operational amplifier 202 and the reference voltage V_(ref) is connected to the non-inverting/positive input terminal of the operational amplifier 202.

In various embodiments, the compensation network 204 is connected between the output of the operational amplifier 202 and the feedback terminal (e.g. the inverting input of the operational amplifier 202) and/or ground GND, which as mentioned before may correspond to the terminal 200 b and/or 202 b.

For example, in the embodiment considered, the compensation network 204 comprises at least one capacitor Cc (integral component) and/or at least one resistor Rc (proportional component). For example, in the embodiment considered, a resistor Rc and a capacitor Cc are connected in series between the feedback terminal and the output of the operational amplifier 202. Specifically, in the embodiment considered, the operational amplifier 202 provides a current i_(comp) as a function of the difference between the reference voltage V %/and the feedback signal FB, and the compensation network 204, e.g. via the resistor Rc and/or the capacitor Cc, is configured to convert the current i_(comp) into the error signal/voltage V_(comp).

In general, the compensation network 204 may be integrated in or may be external to the integrated circuit 40. For example, in the embodiment considered, the integrated circuit 40 comprises a pin/pad COMP connected to the output of the operational amplifier 202, and the compensation network 204 may be connected (e.g. externally) between the pin/pad COMP and ground GND.

Accordingly, in various embodiments, the error amplifier 202/204 may be configured as regulator comprising an I (Integral) and/or a P (Proportional) component.

In the embodiment considered, the error signal V_(comp) is provided to a pulse generator circuit 208, such as a PWM generator circuit, configured to generate a binary/pulsed signal DRV which is alternatively set to a first logic level (e.g. high) and a second logic level (e.g. low) for respective durations T₁ and T₂. Specifically, the pulse generator circuit 208 is configured to vary at least one of the durations T₁ and T₂ as a function of the error signal V_(comp).

In the embodiment considered, the binary/pulsed signal DRV is provided to a driver circuit 210 configured to generate the drive signal DRV₁ and DRV₂ as a function of the drive signal DRV. For example, in various embodiments, the driver circuit 210 may be configured to:

-   -   set the signal DRV₁ to high when the signal DRV has the first         logic level and to low when the signal DRV has the second logic         level; and     -   optionally set the signal DRV₂ to high when the signal DRV has         the second logic level and to low when the signal DRV has the         first logic level.

Accordingly, in various embodiments the switch-on and switch-off durations Tom and T_(OFF1) correspond to the durations T₁ and T₂, respectively. For example, the logic levels of the signal DRV₁ may correspond to the logic levels of the signal DRV₁ and optionally the logic levels of the signal DRV₂ may correspond to the inverted version of the logic levels of the signal DRV.

Accordingly, essentially, the feedback loop via the feedback circuit 24 and the error amplifier 202/204 varies the error signal V_(comp), which in turn is used by the pulse generator circuit 208 to drive via the driver circuit 210 the electronic switches Q1 and Q2, thereby regulating the output voltage V_(out) to a requested value, which may be determined, e.g., as a function of the scaling factor of the feedback circuit 24 and the reference voltage V_(ref).

In various embodiments, the reference voltage V_(ref) may also be provided by a soft-start circuit 206 configured to increase, in response to a power-on of the control circuit 22 a, the reference voltage V_(ref) from a minimum value (e.g. 0 V) to a maximum value (corresponding to the nominal value of the reference voltage V_(ref)).

FIG. 5 shows a possible embodiment of the pulse generator circuit 208. For example, in the embodiment considered, the pulse generator circuit 208 is a fixed frequency PWM generator circuit, i.e. the signal DRV has a constant switching frequency (T_(SW)=T₁+T₂) and a variable duty cycle (D=T₁/T_(SW)).

For example, in the embodiment considered, the error signal V_(comp) is provided to an input (e.g. the positive input terminal) of a comparator 2080 configured to determine whether the error signal V_(comp) is smaller or greater than a threshold value V_(th).

Specifically, in the embodiment considered, the signal at the output of the comparator 2080 is fed to a flip-flop 2082 configured to set the signal DRV to:

-   -   high with the rising edge (or alternatively the falling edge) of         a clock signal CLK; and     -   low when the error signal V_(comp) reaches or exceeds the         threshold value V_(th).

For example, in the embodiment considered, the flip-flop 2082 is a D type flip-flop receiving:

-   -   at a clock input the clock signal CLK;     -   at a data input the logic value high (“1”); and     -   at a reset input the signal provided by the comparator 2080.

Thus, in the embodiment considered, the signal DRV is set to high with a fixed frequency (determined by the clock signal CLK) and then set to low when the signal V_(comp) reaches or exceeds the threshold value V_(th).

Generally, the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 may also be adapted to support an over-voltage protection and/or burst mode. Specifically, by using an additional comparator configured to determine whether the feedback signal FB exceeds a given maximum threshold value, the flip-flop 2082 may receive a masked version of the clock signal CLK, whereby:

-   -   when the feedback signal FB is smaller than the maximum         threshold, the flip-flop 2082 is periodically set via the clock         signal CLK; and     -   when the feedback signal FB is greater than the maximum         threshold, the clock signal CLK is masked and the flip-flop 2082         remains reset.

As mentioned before, various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to solutions, which permit to limit the overshoot of the output voltage V_(out), when the output current i_(out) varies rapidly.

For example, in the control circuit 22 a shown in FIG. 4 there will be intrinsic delays (e.g. due to the operational amplifier 202, the compensation network and the pulse generator circuit 208, e.g. the comparator 2080) in the regulation loop, which usually cannot ensure that the output voltage V_(out) does not increase significantly, e.g. because there may still be stored energy in the inductance L or the error signal V_(comp) will not follow immediately the load variation.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a modified buck converter 20 a, and in particular a modified control circuit 22 a. Specifically, also in this case, the control circuit 22 a comprises:

-   -   a terminal configured to be connected to a feedback circuit 24         configured to generate a feedback FB as a function of the output         voltage V_(out);     -   an error amplifier 212 configured to generate an error signal         V_(comp) as a function of the feedback FB, wherein the error         amplifier 212 may comprise the operational amplifier 202, the         compensation network 204 and optionally the soft-start circuit         206 of FIG. 4 ;     -   a pulse generator circuit 208 configured to generate a pulsed         signal DRV; and     -   a driver circuit 210 configured to generate the drive signal         DRV₁ and optionally the drive signal DRV₂ as a function of the         signal DRV.

Accordingly, these blocks are configured to regulate during normal operation the output voltage V_(out) to a given requested value.

In the embodiment considered, the control circuit 22 a comprises a variable load 216 configured to absorb a current i_(F) as a function of the control signal CTR and a detector circuit 214 configured to generate the control signal CTR (at least) as a function of a signal being indicative of the output current i_(out).

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the operation of the detector circuit 214. In the embodiment considered, after a start step 1000, the detector circuit 214 monitors at a step 1002 the signal being indicative of the output current i_(out) provided via the output terminals 202 a and 202 b. For example, the signal being indicative of the output current i_(out) may be a current sense signal CS provided by a current sensor 218, such as a shunt resistor, connected in series with the output terminals 202 a and 202 b. Alternatively, in case the compensation network 204 comprises a capacitor Cc, whereby the error signal V_(comp) is proportional to (or at least indicative of) the output current i_(out), the signal being indicative of the output current i_(out) may correspond to the error signal V_(comp).

At a following step 1004, the detector circuit 214 stores the signal being indicative of the output current i_(out). For example, the detector circuit 214 may store the signal being indicative of the output current i_(out) periodically or in response to given events.

At a following step 1006, the detector circuit 214 verifies whether a negative transition of the output current occurs. For example, for this purpose, the detector circuit 214 may verify at least one of the following conditions:

-   -   verify whether the signal being indicative of the output current         i_(out) (e.g. the signal V_(comp)) indicates that the output         current i_(out) decreases more than a given amount (relative         variation), e.g. by comparing the current value of the signal         being indicative of the output current i_(out) with a respective         stored value;     -   verify whether the feedback signal FB indicates that the output         voltage V_(out) increases more than a given amount (relative         variation), e.g. by comparing the current value of the feedback         signal FB with a respective stored value; or     -   verify whether the feedback signal FB indicates that the output         voltage V_(out) exceeds a given maximum threshold value         (absolute value).

In case no negative transient of the output current is detected (output “N” of the verification step 1006), the detector circuit 214 may return to the step 1002 for performing a new monitoring operation.

Conversely, in case a negative transition of the output current is detected (output “Y” of the verification step 1006), the detector circuit 214 proceeds to a step 1008, where the detector circuit 214 generates the control signal CTR. Specifically, in various embodiments, the control signal CTR is indicative of the difference between the stored signal and the current value of the signal being indicative of the output current i_(out). Accordingly, when the converter 20 a provides a given output current i_(out,1) and the output current is reduce to a value i_(out,2), the detector circuit 214 drives the variable load 216 via the signal CTR in order to absorb a current i_(F)=i_(out,1)−i_(out,2), whereby the total current i_(out′)=i_(F)+i_(out,1) provided by the capacitor Cout remains constant.

The step 1006 is thus purely optional, because when the monitored signal corresponds to the stored signal (static condition), also the signal CTR would indicate that the difference is zero and the variable load 216 would absorb a current I_(F)=0.

In various embodiments, the detector circuit 214 proceeds then to a verification step 1010, where the detector circuit 214 verifies whether the output current i_(out) remains stable. For example, for this purpose, the detector circuit 214 may verify at least one of the following conditions:

-   -   verify whether the signal being indicative of the output current         i_(out) (e.g. the signal V_(comp)) indicates that the output         current i_(out) varies less than a given amount (relative         variation), e.g. by comparing the current value of the signal         being indicative of the output current i_(out) with a respective         stored value;     -   verify whether the feedback signal FB indicates that the output         voltage V_(out) varies less than a given amount (relative         variation), e.g. by comparing the current value of the feedback         signal FB with a respective stored value; or     -   verify whether the feedback signal FB indicates that the output         voltage V_(out) is below a given maximum threshold value         (absolute value).

In case the output current i_(out) is not stable (output “N” of the verification step 1010), the detector circuit returns to the step 1008.

Conversely, in case the output current i_(out) is stable (output “Y” of the verification step 1010), the detector circuit 214 may reduce (preferably gradually and slowly) the control signal CTR, e.g. by reducing the stored value, whereby the variable load 216 absorbs less current i_(F) and the feedback loop regulated the output voltage V_(out) as a function of the new load condition. However, insofar as the detector circuit 214 is configured to vary the control signal CTR with a time constant being greater than the time constant of the feedback loop, the feedback loop is able to follow the load variation without overshoots in the output voltage V_(out).

Accordingly, once the detector circuit 214 has reduced the current i_(F) to zero via the control signal CTR, the detector circuit 214 may return to the step 1002 for detecting a following load transition.

Accordingly, in various embodiments, the detector circuit 214 is configured to track the output current load and sample its value. This sampled value is used to apply an internal current load i_(F) to the output terminals 202 a and 202 b in order to replace the reduction of the external load current. Next, the detector circuit 214 may decrease the internal current load i_(F) with a controlled slope minimizing overshoot.

FIG. 8 shows a possible embodiment of the detector circuit 214 and the variable load 216. Specifically, in the embodiment considered, the signal being indicative of the output current i_(out) corresponds to the error signal V_(comp). However also the current sense signal CS may be used.

In the embodiment considered, the error signal V_(comp) is provided to an analog sample-and-hold circuit 2140. For example, such a sample-and-hold circuit 2140 may be implemented with a storage capacitor Cs and an electronic switch SW1 configured to connect the storage capacitor Cs to the error signal V_(comp).

In the embodiment considered, the sample-and-hold circuit 2140, e.g. the electronic switch SW1, is controlled by a negative transient detection circuit 2142. For example, this circuit may be configured to:

-   -   enable storage of the error signal V_(comp) (e.g. close the         electronic switch SW1) when no negative load transient is         detected; and     -   disable storage of the error signal V_(comp) (e.g. open the         electronic switch SW1) when a negative load transient is         detected.

For example, as described in the foregoing, the negative transient detection circuit 2142 may monitor for this purpose the variation or absolute value of the feedback signal FB, or the variation of the current sense signal CS. For example, such transients may be detected by determining the variation of a respective signal by comparing the signal with a previous value of the signal (e.g. stored via a sample-and-hold circuit, e.g. 2140) or via a derivative network.

In the embodiment considered, the detector circuit 214 comprises a first current generator M1/M2/M3 configured to generate a current 2, proportional to the stored error signal V_(comp). Specifically, in the embodiments, the stored error signal V_(comp) is provided to a variable current generator M1, e.g. implemented with a FET, e.g. an n-channel FET, and a resistor Ra, configured to provide a current i_(S) proportional to the stored error signal V_(comp). In various embodiments, the current i_(S) is provided also at input to a current mirror M2/M3, e.g. implemented with two FETs, such as p-channel FET, thereby providing at an output of the current mirror M2/M3 the current i₁, which is applied to a node 2144.

Similarly, in the embodiment considered, the detector circuit 214 comprises a second variable current generator M4, e.g. implemented with a FET, e.g. an n-channel FET, and a resistor Rb, configured to generate a current i₂ proportional to the current error signal V_(comp).

Specifically, also the current generator M4 is connected to the node 2144, whereby the node 2144 provides a current i₃ corresponding to the difference between the current 2, and the current i₂, i.e. i₃=i₁−i₂.

Accordingly, in the embodiment considered, the current i₃ corresponds to the control signal CTR being indicative of the difference between the stored and current value of the signal being indicative of the output current i_(out).

For example, in the embodiment considered, the variable load 216 is implemented with a current mirror M5/M6, e.g. implemented with two FETs, such as n-channel FET, wherein the input (M5) of the current mirror receives the current i₃ and the output (M6) of the current mirror, which thus provides a current i_(F) proportional to the current i₃, is connected between the terminals 202 a and 202 b.

Accordingly, by adjusting the gain of the various current generators and current mirrors, the proportionally between the current i_(F) and the variation of the output current i_(out) may be set, e.g. in order to reproduce (approximately) the same proportionally between the error signal V_(comp) and the average current I_(L) provided by the inductance L in response to the respective switching of the switches Q1 and Q2 generated via the blocks 208 and 210.

FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment of the detector circuit 214 and the variable load 216. Specifically, as mentioned before, the detector circuit 214 may be configured to reduce the signal CTR when the output load is static (step 1012).

For example, in the embodiment considered, the detector circuit 214 comprises for this purpose a discharge circuit 2146 configured to selectively discharge the capacitor Cs. For example, in FIG. 9 , the discharge circuit 2146 comprises an electronic switch SW2 and a current source 2148 connected in series between the output of the sample-and-hold circuit 2140/input of the variable current generator M1/Ra and ground GND. For example, also the electronic switch SW2 may be driven via the control circuit 2142.

In various embodiments, the detector circuit and/or the variable load 216 may be configured to be selectively enabled via an enable circuit 2150. For example, in the embodiment considered, the enable circuit 2150 is implemented with an electronic switch S3 connected between the node 2144, i.e. the output of the detector circuit 214/the input of the variable load 216, and ground GND. For example, also the electronic switch SW3 may be driven via the control circuit 2142.

Accordingly, in various embodiments the control circuit 2142 may be configured to monitor whether a negative transient of the output current i_(out) occurs, and:

-   -   during a normal operation (in the absence of a negative         transient, e.g. the negative variations is below a given         threshold), close the electronic switch SW1 (i.e. enable storage         of the sample-and-hold circuit 2140) and the electronic switch         SW3 (i.e. disable the variable load 216), and open the         electronic switch SW2 (i.e. progressive reduction of the control         signal CTR is disabled), thereby following the output current         and keeping off the variable load 216, which in various         embodiments corresponds to an active pull down;     -   once a negative transient current load is detected (e.g. a         negative variation exceeds a given threshold), open the         electronic switch SW1 (i.e. maintain the value stored by the         sample-and-hold circuit 2140) and open the electronic switch SW3         (i.e. enable the variable load 216), whereby the current U is         linked to the stored output current and i₂ to the current output         current, and the current i_(F) is proportional to the difference         between these currents, i.e. i_(F)=K(i₁−i₂), where K represents         a gain factor; and     -   once a new static condition is detected (in the absence of a         transients, e.g. the variations are below a given threshold),         close the electronic switch SW2, thereby reducing gradually the         control signal CTR.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of an over-current protection circuit for the (high-side) electronic switch Q1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3 , the current I_(Q1) flowing through the electronic switch Q1 has a substantially linear behavior during the switch-on duration T_(ON1), wherein the current increases from a minimum value at the instant h to a maximum value at the instant t₂. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 , the circuit 50 is thus configured to generate a reference current i_(R) having a similar behavior, i.e. the circuit 50 is configured to generate a reference current i_(R) which increases linearly during the switch-on duration T_(ON1) from a minimum value at the instant U to a maximum value at the instant t₂, i.e. during the period when the signal DRV is set to high.

For example, in the embodiment considered, the circuit 50 comprises a ramp current generator 502,504 configured to generate a current ramp signal i_(Ramp) as a function of the pulsed signal DRV. For example, in the embodiment considered, the ramp current generator 502, 504 comprises:

-   -   a voltage ramp generator 502 configured to generate a ramp         signal which is set to zero when the signal DRV is low, and then         increased linearly when the signal DRV is high; and     -   a variable current generator 504 configured to generate the         current i_(Ramp) as a function of the voltage ramp signal         provided by the voltage ramp generator 502.

In various embodiments, the ramp current i_(Ramp) is provided to a node 520.

Specifically, in various embodiments, the node 520 is also connected to a current generator 506 providing a constant offset current i_(Offset).

In various embodiments, the node 520 is also connected to a further current generator 508 configured to determine a current i_(c) as a function of the signal V_(comp), wherein the current i_(c) is preferably proportional to the signal V_(comp). Specifically, in various embodiments, the current generator 508 uses a low-pass filtered version of the voltage V_(comp) as determined e.g. via a low-pass filter 508.

Accordingly, in various embodiments, the current i₄ corresponds to: i ₄ =i _(c) −i _(Off) −i _(Ramp)

Accordingly, in various embodiments, the current i₄ corresponds to a decreasing ramp signal.

In the embodiment considered, the current i₄ is then provided to a current limiter circuit 512 configured to generate the current i_(R) by limiting the current i₄ to a given maximum Value i_(max).

As shown in FIG. 10 , in various embodiments, the current i₄ may be provided to the current limiter circuit 512 indirectly by generating a current i₅ via a current mirror M7, M8, e.g. implemented with PMOS transistors.

For example, FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of the current limiter circuit 512. Specifically, in the embodiment considered, the current limiter 512 is implemented with a Wilson current mirror, comprising three transistors, such as NMOS.

Specifically, in the embodiment considered, the Wilson current mirror comprises:

-   -   a first branch comprising a transistor M9 receiving the current         i₄ or i₅;     -   a second branch comprising two transistors M11 and M10 connected         in series, wherein the gate terminal of the transistor M11 is         connected to the drain terminal of the transistor M9, the drain         terminal of the transistor M10 is connected to the source         terminal of the transistor M11, and the gate and source         terminals of the transistor M10 are connected to the gate and         source terminals of the transistor M9, respectively.

In various embodiments, a current limiter 518 may thus be connected in series with the second branch, thereby limiting the current flowing through the second branch to a maximum value i_(max).

In the embodiment considered, a current mirror M10, M12 may then be used to generate the current in by mirroring the current flowing through the second branch.

Accordingly, in various embodiments, the current i_(R) corresponds to the current i₄ when i₄<i_(max) and i_(max) when i₄>i_(max).

In the embodiment considered, the reference current is provided to a reference transistor QR, preferably corresponding to a scaled version of the transistor Q1. For example, in the embodiment considered, the reference transistor QR is an n-channel FET, e.g. a NMOS, wherein the drain terminal is connected to the terminal 200 a, the source terminal is connected to the reference current i_(R), and the gate terminal is connected to the drive signal DRV₁. Specifically, by using a scaled version of the transistor Q1, also the reference current i_(R) may be a scaled version of the expected current profile of the current I_(Q1).

Thus, by comparing the currents flowing through the transistors Q1 and QR or the voltage at the transistors Q1 and QR, the circuit 50 may detect whether the current I_(Q1) remains below the limit indicated by the reference current i_(R). For example, in various embodiments, the voltage at the source terminals of the transistors Q1 and QR are fed to a comparator 514 configured to generate a signal OC indicating that the current flowing through the transistor Q1 exceeds the limit indicated by the current i_(R). For example, in this case, the transistor Q1 may be opened. For example, in the embodiment considered, the signal OC is fed via an OR gate (also receiving the signal provided by the comparator 2080) to the reset input of the flip-flop 2082.

Of course, without prejudice to the principle of the invention, the details of construction and the embodiments may vary widely with respect to what has been described and illustrated herein purely by way of example, without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the ensuing claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A control circuit, for a buck converter configured to provide via two output terminals an output voltage and an output current, the control circuit comprising: a first terminal configured to be connected to an electronic switch of the buck converter; a second terminal configured to receive a feedback signal indicative of the output voltage; two terminals configured to be connected to the two output terminals of the buck converter; an error amplifier configured to generate an error signal as a function of the feedback signal and a reference signal; a pulse generator circuit configured to generate a pulsed signal having switching cycles where the pulsed signal is set to high for a first duration and to low for a second duration, wherein the pulse generator circuit is configured to vary the first and/or the second duration as a function of the error signal; a driver circuit configured to generate a drive signal at the first terminal as a function of the pulsed signal; a variable load connected between the two terminals, wherein the variable load is configured to absorb a current determined as a function of a control signal; and a detector circuit configured to: monitor a first signal indicative of the output current, and a second signal indicative of a negative transient of the output current; verify whether the second signal indicates the negative transient of the output current; in response to the second signal not indicating the negative transient of the output current, store the monitored first signal; and in response to the second signal indicating the negative transient of the output current, generate the control signal as a function of a difference between the stored first signal and the monitored first signal.
 2. The control circuit according to claim 1, wherein the pulse generator circuit is a pulse width modulator, and wherein the pulsed signal is a pulse width modulated signal having a constant frequency and a duty cycle determined as a function of the error signal.
 3. The control circuit according to claim 1, wherein the error amplifier is a regulator having an integral and/or a proportional component.
 4. The control circuit according to claim 3, wherein the error amplifier is the regulator having the integral component, and wherein the first signal corresponds to the error signal.
 5. The control circuit according to claim 1, wherein the detector circuit comprises a transient detection circuit configured to determine the second signal by at least one of: verifying whether the first signal indicates that the output current decreases more than a first predetermined amount; verifying whether the feedback signal indicates that the output voltage increases more than a second predetermined amount; or verifying whether the feedback signal indicates that the output voltage exceeds a given maximum threshold value.
 6. The control circuit according to claim 1, wherein the variable load comprises a current mirror receiving at an input the control signal, and wherein an output of the current mirror is connected between the two terminals.
 7. The control circuit according to claim 1, wherein the detector circuit is configured to: verify whether the second signal indicates that the output current is stable; and in response to the second signal indicating that the output current is stable, gradually reduce the control signal, whereby the variable load absorbs gradually less current.
 8. The control circuit according to claim 1, further comprising: a current ramp generator configured to generate a current ramp signal when the pulsed signal is set to high; a reference electronic switch, wherein the current ramp signal flows through the reference electronic switch when the pulsed signal is set to high; and a comparator circuit configured to compare a voltage at the reference electronic switch with a voltage at the electronic switch of the buck converter, wherein the comparator circuit is configured to set the pulsed signal to low, when the voltage at the electronic switch of the buck converter exceeds the voltage at the reference electronic switch.
 9. The control circuit according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit is disposed on an integrated circuit.
 10. A buck converter comprising: two input terminals configured to receive an input voltage; two output terminals configured to provide an output voltage and an output current; an electronic switch and a further electronic switch connected between the two input terminals, wherein an intermediate node between the electronic switch and the further electronic switch represents a switching node; an inductance connected between the switching node and a first output terminal of the two output terminals; a capacitor connected between the two output terminals; a feedback circuit configured to provide a feedback signal indicative of the output voltage; and a control circuit comprising: a first terminal connected to the electronic switch; a second terminal configured to receive the feedback signal indicative of the output voltage; an error amplifier configured to generate an error signal as a function of the feedback signal and a reference signal; a pulse generator circuit configured to generate a pulsed signal having switching cycles where the pulsed signal is set to high for a first duration and to low for a second duration, wherein the pulse generator circuit is configured to vary the first and/or the second duration as a function of the error signal; a driver circuit configured to generate a drive signal at the first terminal as a function of the pulsed signal; a variable load connected between the two output terminals, wherein the variable load is configured to absorb a current determined as a function of a control signal; and a detector circuit configured to: monitor a first signal indicative of the output current, and a second signal indicative of a negative transient of the output current; verify whether the second signal indicates the negative transient of the output current; in response to the second signal not indicating the negative transient of the output current, store the monitored first signal; and in response to the second signal indicating the negative transient of the output current, generate the control signal as a function of a difference between the stored first signal and the monitored first signal.
 11. The buck converter according to claim 10, wherein the pulse generator circuit is a pulse width modulator, and wherein the pulsed signal is a pulse width modulated signal having a constant frequency and a duty cycle determined as a function of the error signal.
 12. The buck converter according to claim 10, wherein the error amplifier is a regulator having an integral and/or a proportional component.
 13. The buck converter according to claim 12, wherein the error amplifier is the regulator having the integral component, and wherein the first signal corresponds to the error signal.
 14. The buck converter according to claim 10, wherein the detector circuit comprises a transient detection circuit configured to determine the second signal by at least one of: verifying whether the first signal indicates that the output current decreases more than a first predetermined amount; verifying whether the feedback signal indicates that the output voltage increases more than a second predetermined amount; or verifying whether the feedback signal indicates that the output voltage exceeds a given maximum threshold value.
 15. The buck converter according to claim 10, wherein the variable load comprises a current mirror receiving at an input the control signal, and wherein an output of the current mirror is connected between the two output terminals.
 16. The buck converter according to claim 10, wherein the detector circuit is configured to: verify whether the second signal indicates that the output current is stable; and in response to the second signal indicating that the output current is stable, gradually reduce the control signal, whereby the variable load absorbs gradually less current.
 17. The buck converter according to claim 10, further comprising: a current ramp generator configured to generate a current ramp signal when the pulsed signal is set to high; a reference electronic switch, wherein the current ramp signal flows through the reference electronic switch when the pulsed signal is set to high; and a comparator circuit configured to compare a voltage at the reference electronic switch with a voltage at the electronic switch of the buck converter, wherein the comparator circuit is configured to set the pulsed signal to low, when the voltage at the electronic switch of the buck converter exceeds the voltage at the reference electronic switch.
 18. The buck converter according to claim 10, wherein the buck converter is disposed on an integrated circuit.
 19. A method of operating a buck converter configured to provide via two output terminals an output voltage and an output current, the method comprising: monitoring a first signal indicative of the output current, and a second signal indicative of a negative transient of the output current; verifying whether the second signal indicates the negative transient of the output current; in response to verifying that the second signal does not indicate the negative transient of the output current, storing the monitored first signal; repeating the monitoring and the verifying; in response to verifying that the second signal indicates the negative transient of the output current, generating a control signal as a function of a difference between the stored first signal and the monitored first signal; and driving a variable load connected between the two output terminals as a function of the control signal.
 20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising determining the second signal by at least one of: verifying whether the first signal indicates that the output current decreases more than a first predetermined amount; verifying whether a feedback signal indicates that the output voltage increases more than a second predetermined amount; or verifying whether the feedback signal indicates that the output voltage exceeds a given maximum threshold value.
 21. The method according to claim 19, further comprising: verifying whether the second signal indicates that the output current is stable; and in response to the second signal indicating that the output current is stable, gradually reducing the control signal, whereby the variable load absorbs gradually less current. 